US20160084547A1 - Heat medium relay unit and air-conditioning apparatus including the heat medium relay unit - Google Patents

Abstract

In a heat medium relay unit, a drain pan is configured to have width and depth dimensions larger than dimensions of an outer shell of a heat medium relay unit main body, the outer shell including side panels and, upper frames and, and lower frames and, and an upper end surface whose position is higher than those of upper end surfaces of the lower frames and.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates to a heat medium relay unit which is used in an air-conditioning apparatus typified by, for example, a multi-air-conditioning apparatus for a building and exchanges heat between two media, and an air-conditioning apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a heat medium relay unit having a casing structure that takes an installation environment of the heat medium relay unit into consideration, and an air-conditioning apparatus including the heat medium relay unit.
BACKGROUND ART
• For example, an existing multi-air-conditioning apparatus for a building circulates refrigerant between an outdoor unit which is a heat source unit installed outside a building and indoor units installed within rooms of the building. Then, the refrigerant rejects and receives heat to heat and cool air with which an air-conditioning target space is cooled or heated. As refrigerant, for example, HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant is used in many cases, and a multi-air-conditioning apparatus which uses natural refrigerant such as CO₂has also been proposed.
• In addition, there is a so-called total heat recovery type air-conditioning apparatus in which a flow division controller which controls and distributes flow of the refrigerant is connected between an outdoor unit and indoor units, and which exchanges heat to be released to the outside of a building via the outdoor unit, between the indoor units, and causes each indoor unit to independently perform cooling or heating in a single air-conditioning system (e.g., see Patent Literature 1).
• Moreover, in an air-conditioning apparatus called a chiller, a heat source unit installed outside a building generates cooling energy or heating energy. A heat exchanger disposed within the heat source unit heats or cools water, an antifreezing solution, or the like (hereinafter, representatively referred to as water), and sends out the water to a fan coil unit, a panel heater, or the like installed within a room, to perform cooling or heating.
• There is also an air-conditioning apparatus called a waste heat recovery type chiller in which four water pipes are connected between a heat source unit and an indoor unit, cooled or heated water is supplied simultaneously therethrough, and cooling or heating is freely selectable at the indoor unit.
• In the air-conditioning apparatus described in Patent Literature 1, since the refrigerant is circulated to the indoor units, there is a possibility that the refrigerant leaks within the room. Meanwhile, in an air-conditioning apparatus such as a chiller or a waste heat recovery type chiller, refrigerant does not pass through the indoor unit, but it is necessary to send water from outside of the building to the indoor unit side. Thus, a water circulation path becomes long, and energy consumption such as water sending power is higher than that of the refrigerant, so that the efficiency is poor. In addition, in an air-conditioning apparatus such as a waste heat recovery type chiller, in order to allow cooling or heating to individually be selected for each indoor unit, the outdoor unit and each indoor unit have to be connected to each other via four pipes in total, and thus the installability further deteriorates.
• From the above, it is thought that it is possible to solve the above-described problem if a method is established in which heat obtained by a total heat recovery type air-conditioning apparatus such as the air-conditioning apparatus described in Patent Literature1 is given to water, and the water is supplied to each indoor unit.
• Furthermore, the above-described method requires a device which exchanges heat between refrigerant and water, and a device which sends water to each indoor unit. In addition, in the case where these devices are individually installed, installation spaces, maintenance spaces, and an operation of connecting pipes which connect these devices to each other, an operation for heat insulation, and the like are required, so that the installability deteriorates. Thus, these devices are desired to be integrated with each other (e.g., see Patent Literature 2). In addition, these devices are installed above a ceiling in many cases.
CITATION LISTPatent Literature
• Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 4-006355 (page 5, FIG. 1, etc.)
• Patent Literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-11408 (pages 4 and 5, FIG. 1, etc.)
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTechnical Problem
• As described above, when installation into a narrow space above a ceiling is taken into consideration, it is necessary to make each device compact. However, since water having a higher heat capacity than that of refrigerant is used as a heat medium, dew condensation water easily occurs on the surface of each device. As a countermeasure against this, for example, it is considered that many heat insulators are used inside and outside each device, or it is considered at present that a drain pan for receiving dew condensation water from the outer surface of each device is individually provided for each device. However, with either countermeasure, deterioration of the productivity, the installability, and the maintainability due to an increase in the size of each device or installation space is unavoidable.
• In addition, since the refrigerant and water having a design pressure different from that of the refrigerant contact each other via the heat exchanger, if a gap occurs in a simple water circuit connection portion, or if pressure leak occurs from the refrigerant circuit side to the water circuit side, water leak occurs. When a possibility of coming out of leak water to the inner surface of a casing is taken into consideration, it is necessary to use many sealing materials which seal joints between components which form the casing, but the productivity deteriorates. In addition, in order to ensure water tightness again after execution of maintenance, a lot of time is taken.
• The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heat medium relay unit having a structure which is able to receive dew condensation water generated on the surface of the unit and water leaking from inside of the unit, without using many heat insulators or sealing materials, and an air-conditioning apparatus including the heat medium relay unit.
Solution to Problem
• A heat medium relay unit according to the present invention includes a primary heat medium side assembly, a secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly, and a drain pan, the primary heat medium side assembly including a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between a primary heat medium and a secondary heat medium, the primary heat medium circulating between the heat medium relay unit and an outdoor unit connected by a pipe, the secondary heat medium circulating between the heat medium relay unit and an indoor unit connected by a pipe; a secondary heat medium sending device configured to pump the secondary heat medium for circulating between the heat medium relay unit and the indoor unit; and a primary-side casing portion including side panels covering side surfaces of the heat medium relay unit, lower frames that connect between the side panels and to which the secondary heat medium sending device is attached, and a lower side support plate configured to receive the heat exchanger thereon, the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly including a secondary heat medium flow path switching device configured to select or mix the secondary heat medium flowing through a plurality of flow paths, and causing the secondary heat medium to flow into and out of the indoor unit; and a secondary-side casing portion including upper frames connecting between the side panels, an upper side support plate configured to fix the heat exchanger, an inner panel attached to the upper frames, and a presser plate and a placing plate attached to the inner panel to fix the secondary heat medium flow path switching device, the drain pan being configured to have width and depth dimensions larger than dimensions of an outer shell of a heat medium relay unit main body, the outer shell including the side panels, the upper frames, and the lower frames, and an upper end surface whose position is higher than that of an upper end surface of the lower frames.
• An air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention includes: the above-described heat medium relay unit; an outdoor unit configured to supply cooling energy or heating energy; and an indoor unit configured to execute air-conditioning of an air-conditioning target space with the cooling energy or the heating energy supplied from the outdoor unit, and the heat medium relay unit is interposed between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
• In the heat medium relay unit according to the present invention, since the width and depth dimensions of the drain pan are made larger than those of the heat medium relay unit main body, it is possible to receive, by the drain pan, dew condensation water generated on the outer surface of the heat medium relay unit. In addition, in the heat medium relay unit according to the present invention, the height of a rising portion of the drain pan is higher than that of the lower frame. Thus, even if leak water generated inside the heat medium relay unit comes out to the outside of the heat medium relay unit via a joint between the lower frames and an outer shell component covering the side surface of the heat medium relay unit main body, such as a service panel, it is possible to similarly receive the water by the drain pan. Therefore, in the heat medium relay unit according to the present invention, even with a structure which is able to receive dew condensation water generated on the surface of the unit and leak water from the inside of the unit, it is possible to reduce a heat insulator or a sealing material in the heat medium relay unit itself. As a result, it is possible to easily perform production and maintenance.
• In the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention, since the heat medium relay unit is included, it is possible to easily perform production and maintenance. In addition, flexibility in the installation location of the heat medium relay unit increases, and it is made possible to apply the air-conditioning apparatus to various buildings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an overall structure diagram of a heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is an exploded diagram of only components (casing components) forming a casing of the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a circuit in which a heat medium in an air-conditioning apparatus using the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention circulates.
• FIG. 4 is a structure diagram of a primary heat medium side assembly of the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a structure diagram of a secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly of the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is an overall structure diagram of a secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 of the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a structure diagram of only casing components of the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly of the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is an assembly structure diagram of the primary heat medium assembly, the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly, and a drain pan of the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a detailed structure diagram of a simple joint of the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of the primary heat medium side assembly regarding disassembly of the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 is an external view of a three-way valve in the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 12 is an internal structure diagram of the three-way valve in the heat medium relay unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
• Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. It should be noted that the relationship of the size of each constituent element in the drawings described below includingFIG. 1 may be different from actual size. In the drawings described below includingFIG. 1, portions designated by the same reference signs are the same or equivalent portions, and the same applies to the entire specification. In addition, the forms of constituent elements described in the entire specification are merely illustrative and not limited to these descriptions.
Embodiment 1
• FIG. 1 is an overall structure diagram of a heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. First, the configurations of functional components of the heatmedium relay unit100 will be described. The heatmedium relay unit100 of Embodiment 1 includesheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2b,and a secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 as functional components. These functional components are provided in acasing100a.As shown inFIG. 1, the heatmedium relay unit100 is provided between anoutdoor unit11 and anindoor unit12, and has a function of supplying heating energy or cooling energy generated by theoutdoor unit11, in response to a request from theindoor unit12.
• (Heat Exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d)
• Theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dserve to exchange heat between a primary heat medium such as refrigerant which is sent from theoutdoor unit11, and a secondary heat medium, thereby heating or cooling the secondary heat medium. Here, theheat exchangers1aand1band theheat exchangers1cand1dare separately installed, for example, one set of heat exchangers are referred to as heating side heat exchangers, and the other set of heat exchangers are referred to as cooling side heat exchangers. In some cases, both sets are able to serve to heat or cool the secondary heat medium. In addition, here, four heat exchangers, theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,are included, but the configuration does not need to be limited thereto. For example, in the case where the heatmedium relay unit100 of the Embodiment 1 is installed at a ceiling or the like, the heatmedium relay unit100 is able to be configured with, for example, an even number of heat exchangers which is equal to or higher than 2, as long as it is possible to keep balance in terms of weight.
• (Secondary HeatMedium Sending Devices2aand2b)
• The secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2bserve to pump and send the heated or cooled secondary heat medium to a plurality of flow paths to circulate the secondary heat medium. Each of the secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2bmay be composed of, for example, a pump or the like.
• (Secondary Heat Medium Flow Path Switching Device3)
• The secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 serves to perform switching for causing one or more secondary heat media, of the secondary heat media from the plurality of flow paths, to flow into or out of a heat exchanger of eachindoor unit12.
• (Outdoor Unit11)
• Theoutdoor unit11, together with the heatmedium relay unit100, forms an air-conditioning apparatus (described in Embodiment 2).
• Theoutdoor unit11 is connected to the heatmedium relay unit100 by two pipes in order to circulate the primary heat medium therethrough. Theoutdoor unit11 includes a compressor for circulating the primary heat medium such as refrigerant, an outdoor side heat exchanger which serves as a condenser or an evaporator, and the like (not shown).
• (Indoor Unit12)
• Theindoor unit12, together with the heatmedium relay unit100, also forms the air-conditioning apparatus (described in Embodiment 2).
• Theindoor unit12 is also connected to the heatmedium relay unit100 by two pipes. Theindoor unit12 includes, for example, a use side heat exchanger which exchanges heat between air in an air-conditioning target space and the secondary heat medium. InFIG. 1, the heatmedium relay unit100 is connected to the singleindoor unit12 by pipes, but is connectable to a plurality ofindoor units12 according to the number of sets of the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 described later.
• FIG. 2 is an exploded diagram of only components (casing components) forming thecasing100aof the heatmedium relay unit100. In thecasing100a,for example,side panels4aand4b,as side walls, cover casing side surfaces.Frames5a,5b,5c,and5dserve as a skeleton that connects between theside panels4aand4b.Theframes5aand5bare upper frames, and theframes5cand5dare lower frames.Inner panels6aand6bare provided at the inner side (center side) relative to theside panels4aand4b,for example, in order to support the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3.
• In addition, theinner panels6aand6balso serve to fix theframes5a,5b,5c,and5dto each other, and apresser plate14 and a placingplate15 which fix the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 serve to fix theinner panels6aand6bto each other. Thus, reinforcement which makes the entirety of thecasing100ainto a lattice shape is made, so that it is possible to ensure desired rigidity.
• Support plates7a,7b,7c,and7dsupport, for example, theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dshown inFIG. 1. In addition, thesupport plates7aand7bfix theframes5aand5bto each other, and thesupport plates7cand7dfix theframes5cand5dto each other to more firmly fix the frames to each other, thereby reinforcing thecasing100a.
• Adrain pan8 serves to receive water (e.g., dew condensation water, leak water, etc.) generated at thecasing100a.Thedrain pan8 has width and depth dimensions larger than those of a heat medium relay unit main body outer shell portion which is formed of theside panels4aand4band theframes5a,5b,5c,and5d.After assembling, the upper end surface of thedrain pan8 is located higher than the upper end surface of the lower frames (frames5cand5d). This is for receiving dew condensation water on the outer surface of the heatmedium relay unit100, and leak water coming out through a joint between theframe5cor5dand an outer shell component covering a side surface of a heat medium relay unit main body, such as the service panel9.
• As a method for mounting thedrain pan8, in Embodiment 1, for example, a structure may be provided in which square holes of thedrain pan8 are hooked on claw portions provided at left and right portions of thelower frames5d,and then thedrain pan8 is fixed to lock holes provided in a bent portion of thelower frames5c.However, the method for mounting thedrain pan8 is not limited to this, as long as it is possible to provide a gap which allows dew condensation water and leak water to flow therethrough, between thedrain pan8; and theside panels4aand4band thelower frames5cand5d.
• In addition, bent portions are provided at the lower ends of theside panels4aand4band the upper and lower ends of thelower frames5cand5dso as to extend outward as seen from the heatmedium relay unit100. This is for ensuring desired rigidity of each of theside panels4aand4band thelower frames5cand5d.Furthermore, these bent portions serve as a spacer for ensuring a gap between thedrain pan8; and theside panels4aand4band thelower frames5cand5d,and also serve to ensure desired rigidity as a frame of thedrain pan8 by causing these bent portions to extend along four sides of thedrain pan8. These bent portions are intended to eliminate the need for imparting rigidity to thedrain pan8 by a rib or by increasing the thickness thereof.
• In order to make drainability better, thedrain pan8 is provided with a slope at the side of a drain pipe provided at one side, but a structure may be provided in which drain pipes are provided at both sides, the position of the drain pipe is changed, and thedrain pan8 is made horizontal, in accordance with the amount of dew condensation water, the amount of leak water, and the installation environment.
• Hangingmetal fittings10a,10b,10c,and10dwill be described with reference toFIG. 4.
• A water path for dew condensation water and leak water will be described.
• If dew condensation water generated on the outer surface of the heatmedium relay unit100 is generated on wall surfaces of theside panels4aand4b,the water flows downward therefrom via openings provided between thedrain pan8 and end portions of thelower frames5cand5d,and is exhausted through the drain pipe.
• In addition, dew condensation water generated within the heatmedium relay unit100 flows to the outside through openings provided at the lower ends of theside panels4aand4b,and is exhausted through the openings between thelower frames5cand5dand thedrain pan8, and the drain pipe.
• Furthermore, dew condensation water generated on an outer shell component covering a side surface such as the service panel9, other than theside panels4aand4b,drops from theframes5cand5dinto thedrain pan8 and is exhausted through the drain pipe. Meanwhile, dew condensation water that drops at the side opposite to the drain pipe, for example, at thelower frames5dside, flows from the opening between theframe5dand thedrain pan8, passes in front of theside panels4aand4band through the opening between theframe5cand thedrain pan8, and is exhausted through the drain pipe.
• Moreover, leak water coming out of the inside of the heatmedium relay unit100, for example, through joints between an outer shell component such as the service panel9 and thelower frames5cand5dhits against the side wall of thedrain pan8, then passes through the same flow path as for the dew condensation water, and is exhausted through the drain pipe.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a circuit in which a heat medium in an air-conditioning apparatus using the heatmedium relay unit100 circulates. Next, flow of each heat medium will be described.
• First, the primary heat medium rejects or receives heat at theoutdoor unit11 and flows into the heatmedium relay unit100. Then, the primary heat medium heats or cools the secondary heat medium through heat exchange at theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,then flows out of the heatmedium relay unit100, and returns to theoutdoor unit11 again.
• In addition, the secondary heat medium circulates between the heatmedium relay unit100 and theindoor unit12 by the secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2b.At that time, the secondary heat medium is heated or cooled by the primary heat medium at theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d.Then, the secondary heat medium passes through the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, rejects heat to or receives heat from air in a target space through heat exchange at the use side heat exchangers of one or moreindoor units12, then passes through the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, and returns to theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dagain. Here, as described later, pipe-connection between theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dand the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 is made withsimple joints13.
• Next, a method for assembling the heatmedium relay unit100 of Embodiment 1 will be described. As described above, two types of heat media flow in the heatmedium relay unit100, and the primary heat medium is refrigerant or the like which is a high-pressure gas which is compressed and injected into a heat medium circuit. Thus, when the heatmedium relay unit100 and theoutdoor unit11 are connected to each other by a metal pipe and the pipe and a functional component within the heatmedium relay unit100 are joined, it is necessary to perform brazing.
• On the other hand, for example, regarding functional components forming the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, outer shells thereof are produced by a resin material in most cases. Thus, there is a possibility that the functional components are burnt when being touched by flame caused by a burner or the like during brazing. In addition, a switching valve is included within each functional component forming the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, and thus there is a possibility that malfunction occurs when an oxide film generated on a brazed portion is entrapped. Furthermore, for example, in conducting a water tightness test or the like for the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, if a test pressure for the primary heat medium side is applied by accident, there is a risk of collapse of the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3. Thus, assembling of the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, a water tightness test, and the like are desirably conducted separately from assembling of functional components at the primary heat medium side, an air tightness test, and the like.
• FIG. 4 is a structure diagram of a primary heat medium side assembly of the heatmedium relay unit100. First, the component configuration and an assembling method of the primary heat medium side assembly in the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The primary heat medium side assembly includes: theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d;the secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2b;theside panels4aand4b,theframes5cand5d,and thesupport plates7cand7dwhich are to be a primary-side casing portion; and the hangingmetal fittings10a,10b,10c,and10d.
• Thesupport plates7cand7dare disposed close to theside panels4aand4b,respectively. For example, theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dplaced on thesupport plates7cand7dare heavy components. In addition, as shown inFIG. 1 and the like, the heatmedium relay unit100 has a horizontally long rectangular parallelepiped shape (the length thereof is increased as the number of theindoor units12 to be connected is increased). Thus, if the heavy components are disposed close to the center of the heatmedium relay unit100, due to the hangingmetal fittings10a,10b,10c,and10dprovided at positions close to the vertices of the rectangular parallelepiped, in mounting and installing to a ceiling, a load is applied to theframes5cand5d,and there is a possibility that the device itself deforms, such as occurrence of bending.
• Thus, in Embodiment 1, thesupport plates7cand7dare disposed close to theside panels4aand4b,whereby a load caused by theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dis dispersed. In addition, by disposing theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dat both ends of the heatmedium relay unit100, it is possible to keep balance and maintain the position of the center of gravity of the heatmedium relay unit100 at the center of the heatmedium relay unit100. This also serves to prevent load collapse during storage or prevent drop trouble caused due to a fork lift or the like during transfer.
• Next, an example of a method for assembling the primary heat medium assembly will be described.
• First, the hangingmetal fittings10a,10b,10c,and10dare attached to theside panels4aand4b.Then, theframes5cand5dare attached between theside panels4aand4b,then thesupport plates7cand7dare attached, thereby completing a casing portion for the primary heat medium side assembly.
• Next, theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dare placed (attached) on thesupport plates7cand7d,pipe connection ports of theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dand the pipes are brazed. Thereafter, the secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2bare attached to theframes5cand5d.Then, an air tightness test or the like is conducted on a circuit which includes theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dand connection pipes and in which the primary heat medium circulates, to complete the primary heat medium side assembly.
• Here, the reason why theside panels4aand4bare assembled to form the primary heat medium side assembly will be described. For example, in the heatmedium relay unit100 hanged from the ceiling, in order to facilitate maintenance of the primary heat medium side assembly, theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dare disposed at the lower side of the heatmedium relay unit100. Thus, in brazing the pipe connection ports and the pipes at the lower side of theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,it is made difficult to apply flame of a burner.
• By attaching and assembling not only theframes5cand5dand thesupport plates7cand7dbut also theside panels4aand4b,the rigidity of the primary heat medium side assembly increases, and, for example, in brazing the pipe connection ports and the pipes at the lower side of theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,it is possible to rise (lift) the assembly from a workbench. Thus, the primary heat medium side assembly serves as a jig which is able to increase assembly workability, so that it is possible to make it easy to apply flame of a burner in brazing the pipe connection ports and the pipes.
• FIG. 5 is a structure diagram of a secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly of the heatmedium relay unit100. Next, the component configuration and an assembling method of the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly of the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly includes the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3,communication pipes16 and17 extending to theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,theframes5aand5bwhich are to be a secondary-side casing portion, theinner panels6aand6b,thesupport plates7aand7b,thepresser plate14, and the placingplate15.
• FIG. 6 is an overall structure diagram of the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 of the heatmedium relay unit100. In the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 of the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1, for example, three-way valves3awhich are to be switching means are aligned parallel to a direction of theframe5aand the like. InFIG. 6, eight three-way valves3aare aligned, but the number of the three-way valves3aaligned is not limited to eight. In addition, anoutflow pipe3mand aninflow pipe3nare connected to a main body of each three-way valve3a(a three way valvemain body3bshown inFIGS. 11 and 12) and are arranged in a so-called staggered manner so as to be displaced by a half pitch, not aligned in a line in the up-down direction.
• For example, in order to circulate the secondary heat medium between theindoor unit12 shown inFIG. 1 and the heatmedium relay unit100, theoutflow pipes3mand theinflow pipes3nare connected to the three-way valves3a.Here, in the case where the heatmedium relay unit100 is mounted on a ceiling, after thedrain pan8 is removed, maintenance or the like is performed as described later. For example, in order to prevent the pipes closer to the ceiling from being unseen due to overlapping of the pipes when an operator looks up from below, the pipes are arranged in a staggered manner, thereby making it easy to see the pipes and the like and making it easy to confirm the pipes and the like.
• FIG. 11 is an external view of the three-way valve3aof the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1.FIG. 12 is an internal structure diagram of the three-way valve3aof the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1.
• Each three-way valve3aincludes a three-way valvemain body3b,a three-way valve coil3c,and avalve body3d.The three-way valvemain body3bhas anoutflow port3e,aninflow port3f,andcommunication ports3g,3h,3i,and3jfor the secondary heat medium. In the case where the three-way valves3aare mounted so as to be stacked in parallel, thecommunication ports3g,3h,3i,and3jbecome flow paths for the secondary heat medium which is shared by each three-way valve.
• Thevalve body3dis inserted in a center hole of the three-way valvemain body3band is connected to a shaft portion of the three-way valve coil3c.
• The three-way valve coil3cis fixed to the three-way valvemain body3band is structured such that the shaft portion thereof rotates. Thevalve body3dis similarly structured so as to rotate with this rotation. Thevalve body3dhas a cylindrical shape and hasopenings3kand3lonly in a range where there is a wall surface of a portion that contacts thecommunication ports3g,3h,3i,and3j.
• Theopening3kis structured to be connected to theoutflow port3e,and the opening3lis structured to be connected to theinflow port3f,but theopenings3kand3ldo not communicate with each other. Thus, only when theopening3k,theoutflow port3e,and either of thecommunication port3gor3iare connected to each other or the opening3l,theinflow port3f,and either of thecommunication port3hor3jare connected to each other, the secondary heat medium flows through each flow path such that the secondary heat medium circulates from theoutflow port3eof the three-way valve3athrough theindoor unit12 and returns to theinflow port3f.
• With the above structure, for example, when the heated secondary heat medium is caused to flow through thecommunication ports3gand3hand the cooled heat medium is caused to flow through thecommunication ports3iand3j,the three-way valve coil3cmay be rotated such that theopenings3kand3lof thevalve body3dare connected to thecommunication ports3gand3h.By so doing, the heated secondary heat medium flows through thecommunication pipes16 and17 and thecommunication port3g,is sent via theopening3k,theoutflow port3e,and theoutflow pipe3mto theindoor unit12, flows through theinflow pipe3n,theinflow port3f,the opening3l,thecommunication port3h,and thecommunication pipes16 and17, and is returned to the secondary heat medium circuit.
• In addition, if the three-way valve coil3cis rotated such that theopenings3kand3lof thevalve body3dare connected to thecommunication ports3iand3j,respectively, the cooled secondary heat medium flows through thecommunication pipes16 and17, the communication port3i,and theopening3k,and is sent via theoutflow port3eand theoutflow pipe3mto theindoor unit12, passes through theinflow pipe3n,theinflow port3f,the opening3l,thecommunication port3j,and thecommunication pipes16 and17, and is returned to the secondary heat medium circuit.
• In addition, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of the secondary heat medium by connecting theopenings3kand3land thecommunication ports3g,3h,3i,and3jto each other such that theopenings3kand3land thecommunication ports3g,3h,3i,and3jare slightly shifted from each other. In addition, it is possible to cause thecommunication ports3gand3ior3hand3jto partially communicate with each other, by increasing the sizes of theopenings3kand3l.That is, theopenings3kand3lare changeable in accordance with required capability and use application of the heatmedium relay unit100.
• Next, the case of assembling the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 will be described.
• First, the three-way valves3aare assembled, and connected to each other, and theoutflow pipe3mand theinflow pipe3nare attached to theoutflow port3eand theinflow port3fof each three-way valve3a.If these operations are performed in an unstable state, the efficiency is poor. Thus, the three-way valves3aconnected by using a jig are fixed in place, and theoutflow pipes3mand theinflow pipes3nare attached thereto. Here, when theupper frames5aand5b,theinner panels6aand6b,and the placingplate15 are assembled beforehand, it is possible to use the assembly as a jig for operation in manufacturing the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3.
• FIG. 7 is a structure diagram of only casing components of the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly of the heatmedium relay unit100.FIG. 7 shows a positional relationship among theframes5aand5b,theinner panels6aand6b,thesupport plates7aand7b,thepresser plate14, and the placingplate15. The connected three-way valves3aare structured so as to be able to be placed on the placingplate15, and are structured such that thecommunication pipes16 and17 are connectable to the three-way valves3athrough theinner panels6aand6b.
• By using this, the connected three-way valves3aare placed on the placingplate15, and are fixed by thepresser plate14 such that thepresser plate14 surrounds the three-way valves3aare interposed between thepresser plate14 and the placingplate15. Theoutflow pipe3mand theinflow pipe3nare attached to theoutflow port3eand theinflow port3fof each of the three-way valves3a,and thecommunication pipes16 and17 are attached thereto. By so doing, the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly is completed, and, for example, it is also possible to complete the water tightness test or the like as it is.
• FIG. 8 is an assembly structure diagram of the primary heat medium assembly, the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly, and thedrain pan8 of the heatmedium relay unit100. Next, assembling of the primary heat medium side assembly shown inFIG. 4, the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly shown inFIG. 5, and thedrain pan8 will be described.
• First, theside panels4aand4band theframes5cand5dof the primary heat medium assembly and theframes5aand5band theinner panels6aand6bof the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly are fixed to each other. At that time, theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dare interposed and fixed between thesupport plates7cand7dof the primary heat medium side assembly shown inFIG. 4 and thesupport plates7aand7bof the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly shown inFIG. 5.
• Next, as shown inFIG. 3, the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,and the secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2bare connected to each other by pipes. At that time, by using thesimple joints13 for connection, it is made possible to easily attach and detach these components at the time of maintenance.
• FIG. 9 is a detailed structure diagram of the simple joint13 of the heatmedium relay unit100. The simple joint13 includes both pipes each having an end portion with a flange shape, acollar13chaving O-rings13aand13bmounted on an outer periphery thereof, and aband13d.
• Next, a mounting method will be described.
• First, thecollar13creceives both pipes. At that time, the O-rings13aand13bmounted on the outer periphery seal gaps between the inner surfaces of both pipes and thecollar13cso as to maintain water tightness unless thecollar13ccomes out of the pipes. At that time, the flange portions at end surfaces of both pipes are in close contact with each other, and theband13dis mounted at that position. Theband13dis provided with slits. When theband13dis mounted, the flange portions are interposed and fixed between the slits. The slits are hooked on the flange portions of both pipes which are in close contact with each other, so that the pipes are not separated from each other. Thus, unless theband13dis dismounted, water does not leak due to the pipes being separated from each other such that thecollar13ccomes out.
• Theband13dis in close contact with the pipes in a circumferential direction thereof by its own elastic force. For example, if the liquid pressure of the secondary heat medium is much lower than the rigidity of each pipe, it suffices that the pipes do not deform in a direction in which theband13dis widened, and flange portions of both pipes fixed by the slits are not separated from each other. Thus, the elastic force of theband13dis such a force that theband13dis allowed to be mounted/dismounted with a force of human fingers.
• Thesimple joints13 are used for pipe connection between thecommunication pipes16 and17, the secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2b,and theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,etc., whereby it is possible to easily separate only the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 from the pipe circuit.
• Lastly, thedrain pan8 is fixed to thelower frames5cand5dshown inFIG. 4 etc. Then, a water tightness test is conducted on the pipes connected by the simple joint13 shown inFIG. 9. In this manner, the heat medium relay unit is assembled.
• As described above, the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1 is structured such that it is possible to mount thedrain pan8 at the final step in assembling. This is for maintaining workability by enabling an operation to be performed from the bottom, since a situation where it is difficult to cause a hand to enter into the unit interior is provided as the process of assembling proceeds, due to the heatmedium relay unit100 being designed to be narrow. In addition, since the heatmedium relay unit100 is structured such that it is possible to mount thedrain pan8 at the final step in assembling, it is possible to dismount thedrain pan8 at first in maintenance, and it is possible to have a view of the unit interior from the bottom side. Thus, it is also possible to easily confirm a location where breakdown occurs before maintenance.
• Next, regarding the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1, a maintenance method and the like in the case where the necessity of maintenance of the functional component at the primary heat medium side forming the primary heat medium side assembly arises after the heatmedium relay unit100 is installed at a ceiling, will be described. Here, the heatmedium relay unit100 is installed by being fastened via the hangingmetal fittings10a,10b,10c,and10dshown inFIG. 8 etc., by means of bolts or the like projecting from the ceiling at the actual place with nuts or the like.
• As a procedure of disassembling the assembled heatmedium relay unit100 in order to perform maintenance on the primary heat medium side assembly, first, the fixing of thedrain pan8 and thelower frames5cand5dshown inFIG. 8 are released to dismount thedrain pan8. Next, thesimple joints13 with which the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3; and theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dand the secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2bare connected by pipes, are removed. Then, the fixing of theside panels4aand4b,theframes5cand5d,theinner panels6aand6b,and thelower frames5cand5dare released.
• FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of the primary heat medium side assembly regarding disassembly of the heatmedium relay unit100. As shown inFIG. 10, some components are dismounted such that the configuration includes theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,theframes5cand5d,thesupport plates7cand7d,and the secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2b.
• Thus, the component configuration of the primary heat medium side assembly to be dismounted does not include theside panels4aand4b,unlikeFIG. 4. Accordingly, it is possible to cause theside panels4aand4b,which are fixed to the hangingmetal fittings10a,10b,10c,and10d,to remain in order to support theframes5aand5bof the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly shown inFIG. 5. As a result, in the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1, in a state where the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 remains at the ceiling, it is possible to dismount only the functional components at the primary heat medium side from the ceiling. Therefore, a heat insulator and the pipe with theindoor unit12 inFIG. 1, which is connected to the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, may not be dismounted, and thus it is possible to shorten a recovery time until completion of maintenance.
• Here, in order to enable this structure, it is necessary to provide a structure in which the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 is disposed at the uppermost portion of the heatmedium relay unit100, such that the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3 does not become an obstacle to dismounting the functional components at the primary heat medium side.
• As described above, the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1 includes thedrain pan8 which has width and depth dimensions larger than the outer dimensions of the heat medium relay unit main body including theside panels4aand4b,the5aand5b,and thelower frames5cand5d,and has a rising portion which is higher than the upper end surface of each lower frame. Thus, according to the heatmedium relay unit100, it is possible to receive dew condensation water on the outer surface of the heat medium relay unit or leak water coming out of the interior of the heat medium relay unit through the gap and thelower frames5cand5dand the outer shell component covering a side surface, such as the service panel9, to the outside of the heat medium relay unit, without leaking the water to the outside of the unit.
• As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the unit and a decrease in assembly workability and maintainability due to use of many heat insulators and sealing materials.
• In addition, the heatmedium relay unit100 is configured by assembling and combining the primary heat medium side assembly including the configuredheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1dand secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2b,the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly including the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, such that the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly side is the upper side. Thus, according to the heatmedium relay unit100, for example, at the time of maintenance, it is possible to easily split (separate) the primary heat medium assembly and the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly. In particular, in the case where the heatmedium relay unit100 is hanged from a ceiling or the like such that the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly is disposed higher than the primary heat medium side assembly, it is possible to easily dismount components at the primary heat medium side which take time and effort to dismount the components, from the lower side, and it is possible to easily perform maintenance.
• Furthermore, since the plurality ofheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,which are heavy components, are provided at both end portions of the unit, a load is distributed, and it is possible to keep balance in the unit. Since thedrain pan8 is mounted to the primary heat medium side assembly at the final step in assembling the unit, for example, in maintenance, it is possible to dismount thedrain pan8 at first, thus it is possible to shorten the time of disassembly, and it is also possible to easily clean thedrain pan8 itself.
• Moreover, when the primary heat medium side assembly is dismounted after the heatmedium relay unit100 is installed, it is possible to leave theside panels4aand4bincluding the hangingmetal fittings10a,10b,10c,and10d,together with the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly. Thus, according to the heatmedium relay unit100, it is possible to keep the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly installed at the ceiling. Furthermore, in the method for installing theframe5aand the like, theoutflow pipes3mand theinflow pipes3n,which are connected to theindoor unit12, are disposed in a so-called staggered manner, and thus it is possible to make it easy to see the pipes and the like and make it easy to confirm the pipes and the like in maintenance or the like.
• Since the pipes between the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3, theheat exchangers1a,1b,1c,and1d,and the secondary heatmedium sending devices2aand2bare connected by using thesimple joints13, inserting thecollar13c,and interposing the flanges at the pipe connection portion with theband13d,for example, it is possible to easily attach and detach the pipes at the time of maintenance.
• It is possible to assemble and use theframes5aand5b,theinner panels6aand6b,thesupport plates7aand7b,and the placingplate15 as a jig in manufacturing the secondary heat medium flowpath switching device3. Thus, according to the heatmedium relay unit100, it is not necessary to produce a new jig, and it is possible to shorten the time of assembling, or the like. In addition, since the heatmedium relay unit100 is manufactured by individually forming the primary heat medium assembly and the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly, and combining these assemblies, it is possible to individually conduct an air tightness test and a water tightness test, and thus, for example, it is possible to shorten the test time and the manufacturing time and improve safety of the tests and the yield.
Embodiment 2
• FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as air-conditioning apparatus A) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The detailed configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus A will be described based onFIG. 13. The air-conditioning apparatus A includes the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 2, the difference from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described, the same portions as those in Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference signs, and the description thereof is omitted.
• As shown inFIG. 13, in the air-conditioning apparatus A, theoutdoor unit11 and the heatmedium relay unit100 are connected to each other byrefrigerant pipes54 via anintermediate heat exchanger71 and anintermediate heat exchanger72 provided in the heatmedium relay unit100. In addition, the heatmedium relay unit100 and eachindoor unit12 are also connected to each other bypipes65 via theintermediate heat exchanger71 and theintermediate heat exchanger72.
• Theintermediate heat exchanger71 corresponds to theheat exchangers1aand1bdescribed in Embodiment 1, and theintermediate heat exchanger72 corresponds to theheat exchangers1cand1ddescribed in Embodiment 1.
• Thepipes65 correspond to theoutflow pipes3mand theinflow pipes3ndescribed in Embodiment 1.
• {Configuration of Air-Conditioning Apparatus A}
• [Outdoor Unit11]
• Theoutdoor unit11 includes acompressor50, a first refrigerant flow path switching device51 such as a four-way valve, a heat sourceside heat exchanger52, and anaccumulator59 which are connected in series by therefrigerant pipes54. In addition, theoutdoor unit11 is provided with afirst connection pipe54a,asecond connection pipe54b,acheck valve53a,a check valve53b,acheck valve53c,and acheck valve53d.Since thefirst connection pipe54a,thesecond connection pipe54b,thecheck valve53a,the check valve53b,thecheck valve53c,and thecheck valve53dare provided, it is possible to direct flow of the primary heat medium caused to flow through the heatmedium relay unit100, in a given direction regardless of an operation requested by theindoor unit12.
• Thecompressor50 sucks the primary heat medium and compresses the primary heat medium into a high-temperature high-pressure state. Thecompressor50 may be composed of, for example, a capacity-controllable inverter compressor or the like. The first refrigerant flow path switching device51 switches between flow of the primary heat medium during heating operation (in a heating only operation mode, in a heating main operation mode) and flow of the primary heat medium during cooling operation (in a cooling only operation mode, in a cooling main operation mode).
• The heat sourceside heat exchanger52 serves as an evaporator during heating operation, serves as a condenser (or a radiator) during cooling operation, and exchanges heat between air sent from an air-sending device, such as a fan, which is not shown and the primary heat medium to evaporate and gasify or condense and liquify the primary heat medium. Theaccumulator59 is provided at the suction side of thecompressor50 and serves to store excess refrigerant due to a difference between during heating operation and during cooling operation, or excess refrigerant for transient change in operation.
• Thecheck valve53dis provided on therefrigerant pipe54 between the heatmedium relay unit100 and the first refrigerant flow path switching device51, and permits flow of the primary heat medium only in a predetermined direction (a direction from the heatmedium relay unit100 to the outdoor unit11). Thecheck valve53ais provided on therefrigerant pipe54 between the heat sourceside heat exchanger52 and the heatmedium relay unit100, and permits flow of the primary heat medium only in a predetermined direction (a direction from theoutdoor unit11 to the heat medium relay unit100). The check valve53bis provided on thefirst connection pipe54a,and causes the primary heat medium discharged from thecompressor50 during heating operation to flow through the heatmedium relay unit100. Thecheck valve53cis provided on thesecond connection pipe54b,and causes the primary heat medium returning from the heatmedium relay unit100 during heating operation to flow to the suction side of thecompressor50.
• Thefirst connection pipe54aconnects therefrigerant pipe54 between the first refrigerant flow path switching device51 and thecheck valve53dto therefrigerant pipe54 between thecheck valve53aand the heatmedium relay unit100 within theoutdoor unit11. Thesecond connection pipe54bconnects therefrigerant pipe54 between thecheck valve53dand the heatmedium relay unit100 to therefrigerant pipe54 between the heat sourceside heat exchanger52 and thecheck valve53awithin theoutdoor unit11.FIG. 2 shows the case where thefirst connection pipe54a,thesecond connection pipe54b,thecheck valve53a,the check valve53b,thecheck valve53c,and thecheck valve53dare provided, but the configuration is not limited thereto, and these components may not necessarily need to be provided.
• [Indoor Units12]
• Eachindoor unit12 is equipped with a useside heat exchanger66. The useside heat exchanger66 is connected to the three-way valves3aof the heatmedium relay unit100 by thepipes65. The useside heat exchanger66 exchanges heat between air sent from an air-sending device, such as a fan, which is not shown and the secondary heat medium to generate heating air or cooling air to be sent to an indoor space7.
• FIG. 2 shows the case where fourindoor units12 are connected to the heatmedium relay unit100. The number of theindoor unit12 connected is not limited to four shown inFIG. 2. In this case, eight three-way valves3asuffice to be connected in the heatmedium relay unit100.
• [Heat Medium Relay Unit100]
• The heatmedium relay unit100 is equipped with theintermediate heat exchanger71, theintermediate heat exchanger72, two expansion devices56, two opening/closing devices57, two second refrigerant flow path switching devices58, two secondary heat medium sending devices2, and the eight three way valves8a.The expansion devices56, the opening/closing devices57, and the second refrigerant flow path switching devices58 are not shown in Embodiment 1.
• The two expansion devices56 (anexpansion device56a,anexpansion device56b) have a function as a pressure reducing valve or an expansion valve, and serve to reduce the pressure of the primary heat medium to expand the primary heat medium. Theexpansion device56ais provided at the upstream side of theintermediate heat exchanger71 in the flow of the primary heat medium during cooling operation. Theexpansion device56bis provided at the upstream side of theintermediate heat exchanger72 in the flow of the primary heat medium during cooling operation. The two expansion devices56 may be each composed of one whose opening degree is variably controllable, for example, an electronic expansion valve or the like.
• The two opening/closing devices57 (an opening/closing device57a,and an opening/closing device57b) are each composed of a two-way valve or the like, and open and close therefrigerant pipe54. The opening/closing device57ais provided on therefrigerant pipe54 at the inlet side of the primary heat medium. The opening/closing device57bis provided on a pipe connecting therefrigerant pipes54 at the inlet side and the outlet side of the primary heat medium.
• The two second refrigerant flow path switching devices58 (a second refrigerant flowpath switching device58a,a second refrigerant flowpath switching device58b) are each composed of, for example, a four-way valve or the like, and switch flow of the primary heat medium in accordance with an operation mode. The second refrigerant flowpath switching device58ais provided at the downstream side of theintermediate heat exchanger71 in the flow of the primary heat medium during cooling operation. The second refrigerant flowpath switching device58bis provided at the downstream side of theintermediate heat exchanger72 in the flow of the primary heat medium in the cooling only operation mode.
• The eight three-way valves3aswitch a flow path for the secondary heat medium. The number of (here, eight) the three-way valves3awhich is set in accordance with the number of the providedindoor units12 are provided. Each three-way valve3ais connected at one of the three ways to theintermediate heat exchanger71, is connected at another one of the three ways to theintermediate heat exchanger72, and is connected at the other one of the three ways to the useside heat exchanger66. The three-way valves3aare provided at an outlet side and an inlet side of the secondary heat medium flow path of the corresponding useside heat exchangers66. Switching of the secondary heat medium flow path includes not only complete switching from one to another but also partial switching from one to another. The configuration of each three-way valve3ais as described in Embodiment 1.
• In addition, the air-conditioning apparatus A includes acontroller70. Thecontroller70 is composed of a microcomputer or the like. Based on detection information at various detection means, which are not shown, and an instruction from a remote controller, thecontroller70 controls the driving frequency of thecompressor50, a rotation speed (including ON/OFF) of the air-sending device, switching of the first refrigerant flow path switching device51, driving of the secondary heat medium sending devices2, the opening degrees of the expansion devices56, opening/closing of the opening/closing devices57, switching of the second refrigerant flow path switching devices58, switching of the three-way valves3a,driving of a heat medium flow control device25, etc., to execute each operation mode. The state where thecontroller70 is installed in theoutdoor unit11 is shown as an example, but the installation place is not particularly limited.
• Thepipes65 which pass the secondary heat medium therethrough include one connected to theintermediate heat exchanger71 and one connected to theintermediate heat exchanger72. Thepipes65 are each branched (here, branched into four portions) in accordance with the number of theindoor units12 connected to the heatmedium relay unit100. Thepipes65 are connected by the three-way valves3a.By controlling the three-way valves3a,whether to cause the secondary heat medium from theintermediate heat exchanger71 to flow into the useside heat exchanger66 or cause the secondary heat medium from theintermediate heat exchanger72 to flow into the useside heat exchanger66, is determined.
• In the air-conditioning apparatus A, thecompressor50, the first refrigerant flow path switching device51, the heat sourceside heat exchanger52, the opening/closing devices57, the second refrigerant flow path switching devices58, primary heat medium flow paths of theintermediate heat exchangers71 and72, the expansion devices56, and theaccumulator59 are connected to each other by therefrigerant pipes54 to form a primary heat medium circulation circuit. In addition, secondary heat medium flow paths of theintermediate heat exchangers71 and72, the secondary heat medium sending devices2, the threeway valves3aat the inlet side, the heat medium flow control device25, the useside heat exchangers66, and the three-way valves3aat the outlet side are connected to each other by thepipes65 to form a secondary heat medium circulation circuit. That is, a plurality of the useside heat exchangers66 are connected in parallel to theintermediate heat exchanger71, to make the secondary heat medium circulation circuit as a plurality of systems.
• Thus, in the air-conditioning apparatus A, theoutdoor unit11 and the heatmedium relay unit100 are connected to each other via theintermediate heat exchanger71 and theintermediate heat exchanger72, which are provided in the heatmedium relay unit100, and the heatmedium relay unit100 and theindoor units12 are also connected to each other via theintermediate heat exchanger71 and theintermediate heat exchanger72. That is, in the air-conditioning apparatus A, theintermediate heat exchanger71 and theintermediate heat exchanger72 exchange heat between the primary heat medium circulating in the primary heat medium circulation circuit and the secondary heat medium circulating in the secondary heat medium circulation circuit.
• Since the air-conditioning apparatus A includes the heatmedium relay unit100 according to Embodiment 1 as described above, it is possible to easily produce the air-conditioning apparatus A and perform maintenance on the air-conditioning apparatus A. In addition, according to the air-conditioning apparatus A, flexibility in the installation location of the heatmedium relay unit100 increases, and the air-conditioning apparatus A is applicable to various buildings.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
• 1aheat exchanger1bheat exchanger1cheat exchanger1dheat exchanger2 secondary heat medium sending device2asecondary heat medium sending device2bsecondary heat medium sending device3 secondary heat medium flow path switching device3athree-way valve3bthree-way valve main body3cthree-way valve coil3dvalve body3eoutflow port3finflow port3gcommunication port3hcommunication port3icommunication port3jcommunication port3kopening3lopening3moutflow pipe3ninflow pipe4aside panel4bside panel5aframe5bframe5cframe5dframe6ainner panel6binner panel7 indoor space7asupport plate7bsupport plate7csupport plate7dsupport plate8 drain pan9 service panel10ahanging metal fitting10bhanging metal fitting10changing metal fitting10dhanging metal fitting11 outdoor unit12 indoor unit13 simple joint13aO-ring13bO-ring13ccollar13dband14 presser plate15 placing plate16 communication pipe17 communication pipe25 heat medium flow control device50 compressor51 first refrigerant flow path switching device52 heat source side heat exchanger53acheck valve53bcheck valve53ccheck valve53dcheck valve54 refrigerant pipe54afirst connection pipe54bsecond connection pipe56 expansion device56aexpansion device56bexpansion device57 opening/closing device57aopening/closing device57bopening/closing device58 second refrigerant flow path switching device58asecond refrigerant flow path switching device58bsecond refrigerant flow path switching device59 accumulator65 pipe66 use side heat exchanger70 controller71 intermediate heat exchanger72 intermediate heat exchanger100 heat medium relay unit100acasing A air-conditioning apparatus

Claims (10)

1. A heat medium relay unit comprising a primary heat medium side assembly, a secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly, and a drain pan,

the primary heat medium side assembly including

a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between a primary heat medium and a secondary heat medium, the primary heat medium circulating between the heat medium relay unit and an outdoor unit connected by a pipe, the secondary heat medium circulating between the heat medium relay unit and an indoor unit connected by a pipe;

a secondary heat medium sending device configured to pump the secondary heat medium for circulating between the heat medium relay unit and the indoor unit; and

a primary-side casing portion including side panels covering side surfaces of the heat medium relay unit, and lower frames that connect between the side panels and to which the secondary heat medium sending device is attached,

the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly including

a secondary heat medium flow path switching device configured to select or mix the secondary heat medium flowing through a plurality of flow paths, and cause the secondary heat medium to flow into and out of the indoor unit; and

a secondary-side casing portion including upper frames connecting between the side panels,

the drain pan being configured to have

width and depth dimensions larger than dimensions of an outer shell of a heat medium relay unit main body, the outer shell including the side panels, the upper frames, and the lower frames, and

an upper end surface whose position is higher than that of an upper end surface of the lower frames.

2. The heat medium relay unit ofclaim 1, wherein the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly, the primary heat medium side assembly, and the drain pan are disposed in a named order from an upper side.

3. The heat medium relay unit ofclaim 1, wherein the side panels each have a hanging metal fitting for mounting the unit such that the unit is installable from the upper side, and are attachable to and detachable from the primary heat medium side assembly for allowing the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly to be retained at a position at which the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly is mounted with the hanging metal fitting.

4. The heat medium relay unit ofclaim 1, wherein the secondary-side casing portion is configured to serve as a jig in manufacturing the secondary heat medium flow path switching device.

5. The heat medium relay unit ofclaim 1, wherein

a flange is provided at a pipe connection portion between the heat exchanger or the secondary heat medium sending device and the secondary heat medium flow path switching device,

a collar having an O-ring mounted at an outer side thereof is disposed in the pipe connection portion to connect each pipe, and the flange at each pipe connection portion is retained by a band having a slit and retained in the slit, to connect and fix the pipes to each other.

6. The heat medium relay unit ofclaim 1, wherein the drain pan is mounted at a lower side of the primary heat medium side assembly in a final step in assembling the unit.

7. The heat medium relay unit ofclaim 1, wherein a plurality of the heat exchangers are separately arranged at positions of both end portions of the unit inside the side panels.

8. The heat medium relay unit ofclaim 1, wherein in the secondary heat medium flow path switching device, an outflow pipe through which the secondary heat medium flows out and an inflow pipe through which the secondary heat medium flows in are connected in a staggered manner in a direction of the frames.

9. The heat medium relay unit ofclaim 1, wherein the heat medium relay unit is assembled after an air tightness test on the primary heat medium side assembly and an air tightness test on the secondary heat medium flow path switching device assembly are conducted.

10. An air-conditioning apparatus comprising:

the heat medium relay unit ofclaim 1;

an outdoor unit configured to supply cooling energy or heating energy; and

an indoor unit configured to cool or heat a heat medium with the cooling energy or the heating energy from the outdoor unit and execute air-conditioning of an air-conditioning target space with the heat medium, wherein

the heat medium relay unit is interposed between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

Images